An Acquired Taste

I don't know if anyone wonders why I bother posting some of my original work online for everyone to read. I'll answer the question anyway: I do it because I love it. I do it because it is a way for me to improve my craft. I do it because it is a way to experiment and refine plot devices, themes and characterizations. I do it because it's interactive and provides opportunities for readers and fans of my work to engage me in meaningful dialogue and provide constructive criticism. This makes me a better author and allows me to produce better works that will be published. I do it because I enjoy sharing my gift with my fans.

Having said that, I need to address something that a lot of readers may not be aware of. I call myself the Mistress of the Dark for many reasons. The main one is that most of my writing has a dark slant to it. I don't write fluff, I don't do happily-ever-after, and I can't stand stories where women are weak and must be rescued by some dude. I don't do rainbow wishes and candy dreams. I don't like stories where the characters are static and two-dimensional. I don't like stories where the s/hero is all good and the villain is all evil.

Those of you who have been following me since the FF.net and LiveJournal days already know this. For those of you new to the Dark, I must let you know that I'm an acquired taste. My characters cuss, fuck, fight, eat, love hard, have problems, and don't mind straight-up murder if it's necessary. My s/heros are just like my villains: multi-dimensional, complex, and opportunistic. I enjoy tackling taboo subjects and don't mind addressing the elephant in the room. When I deal with most subjects, it's usually with an edge. Morals are dubious and intentions aren't always clear. I walk a very fine line with my writing and it's by choice.

So once again, let me reiterate that the stories on this blog are for adults 18 years of age and up, and regardless of age, they're not for all readers. If you're the type of reader looking for a Harlequin-esque bodice-ripper, go elsewhere. If you're the kind of reader who likes for stories to end with rainbows, unicorns and fluffy bunnies holding hands and singing Kumbaya, find another blog. If you don't like it when you can't distinguish the villain from the s/hero, then Shorties isn't for you.

Now back to the regularly scheduled program.